The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is pleased to announce the publication of The CAF Ethos: Trusted to Serve - an important and thorough revision and expansion of part of the 2009 publication Duty with Honour: The Profession of Arms. Trusted to Serve is our renewed commitment to professionalism through a 60-page operational guide on how best to apply the CAF ethos and its elements in daily military service. Trusted to Serve comes at a particular turning point in our history, as we evolve to better reflect Canadian values, change our military culture, and rebuild trust.
The first and most important principle found in Trusted to Serve is to respect the dignity of all persons. As it stands, respecting the dignity of all persons is the only way the Profession of Arms can build and maintain credibility and trust, at home and abroad. Everyone must be treated with respect and humanity at all times and in all places. Everyone deserves to serve in a safe, inclusive environment. This foundational principle, as well as other Defence Team values and ethics, are now incorporated in the CAF Ethos in a way that more fully articulates what is expected from military personnel - with a strong emphasis on character, competence, and trust.
Trusted to Serve is our most essential doctrine. It must guide our conduct and performance at all times, both on- and off-duty. The CAF Ethos will continue to evolve through our commitment to professionalism and by holding each other to account. It is strengthened and sustained through our collective efforts to pursue excellence, knowledge, diversity, inclusion, and through leading by example.
Every CAF member at all rank levels has a role to play and is expected to take ownership of the renewed principles, values and expectations. Prepared learning material will help leadership facilitate discussions within their units on how to best apply The CAF Ethos: Trusted to Serve.
